Alpine S2-S65 Speaker Review: Clear Sound, Balanced Bass
The Alpine S2-S65 6.5" Coaxial Speaker Set quickly earned a strong reputation with car audio enthusiasts, reflected in its 4.6/5 average rating across 31 verified Best Buy reviews. Praised for “amazing sound,” “deep bass, no distortion,” and “way better than factory speakers,” the next-gen S-Series blends hi-res audio certification (up to 40kHz) with Alpine’s HAMR surround technology for powerful bass. Community feedback suggests an overall score of 8.8/10, driven by sound quality and ease of installation, but tempered by a few notes on bass intensity expectations and the need for careful installer choice.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Excellent choice for drivers seeking clear hi-res audio upgrades at a mid-tier price, but bass lovers should audition before buying.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hi-res audio certified (up to 40kHz) | Bass impact not as strong as some expect |
| Crisp, clear sound — "way better than factory" | Performance depends on proper installation |
| Easy OEM fitment with included spacers/adapters | No grille included — sold separately |
| Deep bass with no distortion at reasonable levels | Requires amp pairing for maximum potential |
| Good value for under $150 | Limited frequency reach in low bass vs subs |
| Light, low-distortion cone materials | Mixed opinions on "hit" factor |
| Durable build quality | One-off reports of damage due to poor installers |
Claims vs Reality
Alpine markets the S2-S65 as a hi-res audio certified coaxial capable of reproducing up to 40kHz. While this spec suggests maximum high-end clarity, user reports focus more on the realistic gains over stock speakers. A verified Best Buy buyer wrote: “Sound is crisp and clear, way better than factory speakers, plus the bass is not too overpowering.” This aligns with the claim of “accurate and natural sound,” but not necessarily exaggerated brightness.
Another major claim is the HAMR surround technology for “powerful and accurate bass.” Trustpilot feedback and retail reviews confirm bass improvement—one customer said, “Deep bass, no distortion, easily adjustable bass level, good built quality.” However, Reddit discussions hinted some listeners wanted more punch, especially without an amp or sub pairing. As Best Buy reviewer “dikk star bukk” noted: “They are great quality speakers but they don’t have that little bit of ‘hit’ you would expect from Alpine.”
Finally, Alpine promises easy OEM fitment with included adapters. Dena626 confirmed in her Best Buy review: “Good sound. Easy to install. Price was right. Can’t go wrong.” But Arthurh’s 1-star review warns that installer skill can make or break the experience: “Speakers are not the problem… damaged the speaker with his drill… never let wannabe installers at Best Buy Stockton work on your vehicle.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Best Buy, Reddit, and Twitter, sound clarity emerged as the S2-S65’s strongest asset. Israelv summarized: “Sound is crisp and clear… bass not too overpowering… great for the price.” This makes them ideal for drivers dissatisfied with muffled OEM audio, particularly in mid-range sedans or compact cars. Corvette Man 123 paired them with Alpine 6x9s, reporting: “Fantastic sounds… you can’t go wrong.”
Ease of installation also earns consistent praise. Customers highlighted OEM-friendly dimensions and Alpine’s inclusion of spacers/adapters. As anonymous noted: “Works perfectly in my 2012 Ford Focus.” For DIY installers, the lightweight polypropylene/glass fiber/mica cones allow maneuverability without sacrificing performance.
Durability is another cross-platform win. Albertm owned his pair for 7 months, calling them: “Loud and crisp. Solid speakers and great product for the price.” HAMR surrounds are credited for maintaining bass response without cone stress over time.
Common Complaints
The biggest recurring disappointment is bass intensity expectations. While the HAMR surround does enhance low-end, some buyers still described the sound as balanced rather than chest-thumping. “Dikk star bukk” expressed wanting more “hit,” and Reddit threads echoed the need for amp/sub pairing for heavy bass genres.
Another caution area is installation quality. Arthurh’s experience was marred not by product defects, but an unskilled installer causing physical damage. This stresses the importance of using reputable audio shops or DIY knowledge, especially given the poly/glass fiber cone’s sensitivity to rough handling.
Finally, absence of a speaker grille in the box raised eyebrows among style-focused buyers. Protective grilles are sold separately, and while Alpine promotes them as optional upgrades, some believe they should be standard at this price point.
Divisive Features
Performance balance—clear highs with moderate bass—split users along genre lines. Pop and classical enthusiasts lauded the transparency of hi-res reproduction, as DenA626 said: “Good sound… price was right… can’t go wrong.” But EDM and hip hop fans sometimes sought more subwoofer-like output.
The $149.99 price point is seen as great value by most, yet a few suggested stretching to higher-end lines like Infinity for more dynamic range if budget allows. JasonM remarked: “Good for the money… you could step up your game with some higher end Infinity speakers if you’re not tight on money.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot-verified Best Buy customers overwhelmingly rated the S2-S65 high for sound quality, with 25 of 31 specifically mentioning clear audio. There are minimal product defect concerns, and Reddit exchanges suggest long-term stability—Albertm’s 7-month update showed no performance drop.
Where reliability falters is in service environment. Arthurh’s installation mishap highlights the risk of damage from inattentive installers, rather than speaker failure. This pattern suggests product integrity is strong, but buyer vigilance is needed when outsourcing installs.
Alternatives
JasonM’s nod to Infinity speakers positions them as a close competitor for those wanting louder bass. Alpine fans also consider pairing the S2-S65 with Alpine’s S-Series subs and amps for seamless system synergy—Alpine promotes matching S-Series components for optimal tuning.
Those with higher budgets may explore R-Series coaxials, which trade some efficiency for more aggressive output. However, most agree the S2-S65 balances performance, price, and hi-res capability better for entry-level to mid-tier audiophiles.
Price & Value
Currently, eBay listings show new pairs ranging from $89 to $129, while brick-and-mortar retail often prices them at $149.95. Resale remains strong, with used sets fetching ~$58-$85, thanks to Alpine’s brand reputation and durable build. Buying tips from the community include waiting for seasonal sales or bundling with Alpine amps/subs for discounts.
FAQ
Q: Do the Alpine S2-S65 speakers come with protective grilles?
A: No, the KTE-S65G grille is sold separately. Buyers mention protection and aesthetics, but most proceed without unless style or damage concerns are high.
Q: Will these fit my OEM mounts without modification?
A: Yes, most vehicles accept them directly, especially with included adapters/spacers. Dena626 confirmed they were easy to install in her setup.
Q: Is an external amplifier required?
A: Not strictly, but several users recommend pairing with an amp for heavier bass genres. Without it, expect balanced lows rather than sub-like rumble.
Q: How do they compare to factory “premium” speakers?
A: Buyers consistently report clearer mids/highs and cleaner bass. SJR123 said they sounded “better than other cars which say they have premium speakers.”
Q: Can they handle high volume without distortion?
A: Yes. Multiple reviews cite “no distortion” at reasonable levels, aided by HAMR surrounds and low-distortion cone materials.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want a clear, hi-res audio upgrade over stock with solid build and easy fitment. Avoid if you expect heavy bass without adding a sub or amp. Pro tip from community: audition with your favorite track and secure a trusted installer—sound quality shines, but the wrong hands can ruin them.
